Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (consul 78 BC)

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (120 BC-77 BC) was a Consul of the Roman Republic in 78 BC and the father of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, a member of the Second Triumvirate.

Biography
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was born in 120 BC, and he served under Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo during the Social War. He served aedile while Sulla was in Greece fighting against Mithridates VI of Pontus, and he fought for Sulla in the civil war of 82 BC. Lepidus captured Norba in Latium for Sulla, and Sulla rewarded his loyalty by making him Governor of Sicily, where he committed fraud in regard to the grain supply. Lepidus was elected consul for 78 BC, and he attempted to undermine Sulla's constitution and revive the Populares faction. In 77 BC, he was recalled from his proconsulship of Gaul, and he launched a failed rebellion before fleeing to Sardinia, where he died that same year.